Answer:

Is there any harm in lying or fudging on my resume about my education?

Yes. First of all, some employers run background checks that include a look at academic credentials, so you might get caught during the application process. (To learn more, see Nolo's Background Checks FAQ.) But the real harm comes if you get the job. If your employer finds out you don't have a degree, you could get fired for lying on your resume. And, if your employer ever violates your legal rights and you sue, your lawsuit might be thrown out -- or your damages severely limited -- because of the falsification. The better strategy is to come clean about your college record: Give the dates you attended college on your resume and, if you're asked whether you have a degree, explain that you were a few credits short -- and let the employer decide what weight to give that information in the hiring process. For more information on why it's a bad idea to falsify your credentials, see Nolo's article Don't Lie on a Job Application.